Factors influencing knowledge translation into critical care practice: The reality facing intensive care nurses in Limpopo Province

• Published in: The Southern African journal of critical care Vol. 40; no. 2; pp. 62 - 66
• Main Authors: Kgadima, M R, Coetzee, I M, Heyns, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South African Medical Association NPC 01-07-2024
• Subjects: Critical care practice, critical ill; injured patient, intensive care nurse, intensive care unit, knowledge translation
• ISSN: 1562-8264; 2078-676X
• DOI: 10.7196/SAJCC.2024.v40i1.1282

\r\nBackground\r\nNurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) must incorporate new knowledge and evidence-based practice (EBP) into their daily routines to enhance patient outcomes. However, this integration often falls short in ICU settings. Weekly clinical audits reveal incidents where ICU nurses neglect evidence-based interventions, impacting patient outcomes and ICU stays.\r\n\r\nObjective\r\nTo explore the factors influencing the translation of knowledge into ICU practice.\r\n\r\nMethods\r\nWe conducted exploratory, qualitative research to investigate ICU nurses’ perspectives on knowledge translation into ICU practices. The study employed purposive sampling to select ICU nurses. We used paired interviews and group discussions to gather insights from ICU nurses regarding the factors influencing the translation of knowledge into ICU practices. Data analysis was performed using Boomer and McCormack’s nine steps of creative hermeneutic data analysis.\r\n\r\nResults\r\nOne main theme, ‘We are just surviving’ emerged, encompassing two sub-themes: management and workplace culture. Under management, participants described barriers, such as resource scarcity, behaviour, outdated evidence-informed protocols and workload. Under workplace culture, participants mentioned negative attitudes and a lack of teamwork, contributing to poor-quality care.\r\n\r\nConclusion\r\nIn ICUs, nurses are expected to integrate new knowledge and scientific evidence into their daily practice, yet they face challenges in doing so. Interventions should be implemented to address management and workplace culture.